Short answer
A forehead lift is surgery that tightens the skin and muscles of the forehead to reduce lines, or shortens a tall forehead by moving the hairline down. It usually takes 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia, often with 1 night in hospital. Most patients stay in Istanbul for 7 days and return to work after 10-14 days.
What is a forehead lift?
A forehead lift is an operation focused on the upper third of the face. It can treat deep horizontal forehead creases and the frown lines between the brows, and it can also reduce the height of a long forehead.
It is closely related to a brow lift, and the two are often done together. The difference is the goal: a brow lift mainly raises the eyebrows, while a forehead lift mainly smooths and reshapes the forehead itself.
Who is it for?
A forehead lift suits adults with deep forehead lines that injections no longer control, or those who feel their forehead is too tall. For hairline lowering, you need a stable hairline and flexible scalp skin.
- Deep horizontal forehead lines
- Strong frown lines between the brows
- A high or tall forehead
- Wish for a longer-lasting option than injections
How the procedure is done
For smoothing lines, the surgeon works through small incisions behind the hairline, often with an endoscope, and releases or softens the muscles that cause frowning and creasing.
For hairline lowering, an incision is made along the front of the hairline in an irregular pattern. The scalp is gently advanced forward and a strip of forehead skin is removed. Hair then grows through the scar, which helps hide it.
Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.
Smoothing lines or lowering the hairline
There are two main goals for a forehead lift, and they use different methods. Smoothing forehead and frown lines is done through small hidden incisions and works on the muscles. Shortening a tall forehead is done through a hairline incision and works on the skin and scalp.
Some patients need both, for example a person with a high hairline and heavy frown lines. If you want a larger change in hairline position than a forehead lift can give, a hair transplant can be considered later to fine-tune the front.
Recovery and results
A light head bandage is worn for 1-2 days. Swelling may spread down to the eyes and cheeks for the first week. Scalp tightness and numbness are common and improve gradually over several months.
Stitches or clips are usually removed after 7-10 days. Most patients return to work after 10-14 days. The final result is typically seen at around 6 months, once the scalp has fully settled.
Risks and safety
Risks include bleeding, infection, visible scarring, temporary hair loss near the incision, prolonged numbness of the scalp, asymmetry and a change in brow movement. These risks are discussed openly before surgery.
A doctor assesses your forehead, hairline and brow position in person and explains whether a forehead lift, a brow lift or both are right for you.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Overnight hospital stay with head bandage.
- Week 1Swelling around eyes eases, clips or stitches removed.
- Week 2Return to work and normal routine.
- Month 1-3Scalp sensation slowly returns, scar softens.
- Month 6Final forehead shape and scar maturity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a forehead lift and a brow lift?
A brow lift mainly raises low eyebrows, while a forehead lift mainly smooths forehead lines or shortens a tall forehead. Many patients benefit from a combination, which your surgeon will discuss.
Can a forehead lift lower my hairline?
Yes, a hairline-lowering forehead lift can typically shorten the forehead by 1-3 cm. The amount depends on how flexible your scalp is.
Will I lose hair after a forehead lift?
Some temporary shedding near the incision can happen. It usually grows back within a few months.
Is a forehead lift better than injections?
It is longer lasting. Injections relax the muscles for a few months, while a surgical forehead lift gives a lasting structural change.
